Funding Breakthrough Lab: Lunch Time Bootcamp - Raise a pre-seed/seed round
This bootcamp is for early-stage founders who want to learn the fundraising process. You’ll get practical advice, hands-on experience, and learn from industry experts and investors. By the end of the day, you’ll have the knowledge, tools, and confidence to fundraise for your startup.
Bootcamp Highlights
Understand the full fundraising process from start to finish.
Get practical tools and templates for investor readiness.
Practice your pitch and receive real-time feedback.
Learn directly from investors
Tentative Agenda
🕔 11:00 AM - 11:15 AM: Welcome and Kick-Off (15 mins)
Speakers: Natalie Pan, Neelam Chakrabarty, Holly Uber
Introduction to the bootcamp and its goals.
Overview of the day’s schedule.
Meet the speakers and facilitators.
🕔 11:15 AM - 12: 45 PM: Fundraising Math: Know Your Numbers (1h 30m)
Topics Covered:
Calculating your startup’s valuation.
Know how to build your financial models.
Figuring out how much money to raise and aligning with milestones.
Understanding key metrics: runway, burn rate, CAC, LTV, and more.
Market understanding: TAM, SOM, etc.
Takeaways:
A simple template to calculate your funding needs.
Insights into how investors analyze your financials.
Speakers:
Speaker: TBD
🕔 12:45 PM - 1:15 PM Funding Breakthrough Lab Alumni Q&A (30 min)
Topics Covered:
Who should apply for Funding Breakthrough Lab
Key benefits of the program
Takeaways:
Understanding if the program is right for you
Surprise discount only available to attendees
🕔 1:15 PM - 1:20 5min BREAK
🕔 1:20 PM - 2:20 PM Structuring Your Pitch Deck for Maximum Impact (1h)
Topics Covered:
Find out what makes a great pitch deck.
Learn design tips to make your deck look good and easy to read.
Takeaways:
Customize your pitch deck for different investors.
Avoid common mistakes and make your pitch stand out.
Speakers:
Neelam Chakrabarty, Chief Growth Officer @ Query
🕔 2:20 PM - 3:00PM: (TRACK 2) 1 Minute Pitches & Feedback (40m)
1-Minute Pitches: Founders will present their startup in just one minute.
Feedback: Get helpful feedback to improve your pitch.
Benefits: Practice your pitch, get valuable advice, and maybe even attract interest from investors.
Pitch-deck review: Get hands-on help with your pitch deck
Takeaways:
Instant feedback on storytelling and delivery.
Learn from watching other founders pitch.
Speakers:
Holly Uber - Board Member of How Women Lead
Damien Foord - a16z advisor, investor, Brand Strategist of Prismonde
🕔 3:00 PM - 3:30PM: Fresh Perspectives on Taking VC
📚 Topics Covered:
Why parts of the current startup and funding ecosystem are outdated
A reframing of what venture capital is really for and when it makes sense
How to evaluate if VC aligns with your company’s values, goals, and trajectory
✅ Key Takeaways:
Think beyond default paths: VC isn’t the only—or always the best—way to grow
Know what you’re trading: Understand the expectations and power dynamics behind VC
Be strategic, not reactive: Take funding as a conscious decision, not just momentum
Speakers:
Damien Foord - a16z advisor, investor, Brand Strategist of Prismonde
Funding Breakthrough Lab is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit pre-accelerator with a mission of creating a supportive community to build a better tomorrow. We empower founders with education, networks, and resources to unlock their potential while championing diversity, inclusion, and authenticity. Founded by Natalie Pan, an engineer, community builder and executive coach. Apply for the next August cohort here https://fundingbreakthroughlab.org.